Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Gregg Popovich Spurs influence was felt again after San Antonio responded to his postgame locker-room message with a 103-82 win over Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 on Sunday night.
The victory tied the Western Conference finals at 2-2 after the Spurs had looked flat in a Game 3 loss, giving the young roster a reminder of Popovich’s lasting voice inside the franchise.
The response followed another major Spurs playoff story, with Victor Wembanyama powering San Antonio to a series-levelling NBA playoff win, while official playoff updates are available through the NBA website.
Popovich Delivers Locker-Room Message
De’Aaron Fox said Popovich entered the locker room after San Antonio’s 123-108 Game 3 loss and challenged the team’s effort.
“Pop’s been around like throughout the course of the season,” Fox said.
“But that was the first time he walked into the locker room and was like, nah, that’s BS, that’s not how we play basketball.
“Obviously, he had some choice words for it. That was the first time all season he came into the locker room right after a game and told us how he felt.”
Spurs Answer in Game 4
San Antonio had led Oklahoma City 15-0 early in Game 3 before being outscored by 30 the rest of the way.
Two nights later, the Spurs produced a far sharper display, controlling Game 4 from start to finish and holding the Thunder to 82 points.
The defensive edge looked closer to the identity that carried San Antonio into the Western Conference finals.
With the series now tied, the matchup becomes a best-of-three against the reigning champions.
Popovich Still Shapes Spurs
Popovich retired last season after 28-plus years as San Antonio head coach, five NBA championships and a league-record 1,390 coaching wins.
A stroke ended his coaching career earlier than planned in the 2024-25 season, but he remains around the team in an official role as “El Jefe.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson was mentored by Popovich, and the franchise still leans on his experience during major moments.
For a young Spurs team chasing its first title of the post-Popovich era, his voice clearly still carries.